Framing embroidery under glass requires careful consideration to protect your needlework. You'll need to use a deep frame with spacers to prevent the embroidery from touching the glass. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Steps for Framing Embroidery Under Glass
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Choose a Shadow Box Frame: Select a frame that is deep enough to accommodate the thickness of your stretched embroidery plus a spacer. This is crucial.
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Prepare Your Embroidery: Ensure your embroidery is clean and free of wrinkles. Iron it gently on a padded surface, face down.
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Mount the Embroidery:
- Foam Board Backing: According to the reference, cut a piece of Foam Board to the inside dimensions of your frame. This will serve as the backing to which you'll attach your embroidery.
- Stretching: Center the embroidery on the foam board. Pull the edges of the fabric tautly around the back of the board and secure with pins, staples, or archival framing tape. Ensure the design is centered and the fabric is smooth.
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Add Spacers: Place spacers inside the frame to keep the glass away from the embroidery. This prevents moisture buildup and damage to the stitches.
- Types of Spacers: You can use conservation-quality mat board strips, pre-made frame spacers, or even small pieces of cork.
- Placement: Attach the spacers along the inside edges of the frame where the glass will sit.
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Assemble the Frame:
- Clean the Glass: Thoroughly clean the inside of the glass to remove any dust or fingerprints.
- Insert the Embroidery: Carefully place the mounted embroidery into the frame, ensuring it sits snugly against the back.
- Secure the Backing: Secure the backing of the frame, using the frame's clips or flexible tabs.
Why Use Spacers?
Spacers are essential when framing embroidery under glass for several reasons:
- Prevent Condensation: Spacers create an air gap, which helps to prevent condensation from forming on the inside of the glass. Moisture can damage the embroidery over time, leading to mold or mildew.
- Protect Stitches: Direct contact with glass can flatten or crush the embroidery stitches, distorting the texture and appearance. Spacers maintain the integrity of the needlework.
- Avoid Adhesion: The embroidery fibers can stick to the glass over time, making it difficult to remove without causing damage.
Materials Needed
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Shadow Box Frame | A deep frame that allows space for the embroidery, spacers, and glass. |
| Glass | Cleaned and ready to be placed into the frame. |
| Foam Board | Cut to fit the inside dimensions of the frame. |
| Spacers | Conservation-quality mat board strips or pre-made frame spacers. |
| Pins/Staples/Tape | Archival quality framing tape to secure the embroidery to the foam board. |
| Cleaning Supplies | For cleaning the glass (lint-free cloth and glass cleaner). |
